Dawson feeling optimistic about next season

KIERON DAWSON admitted he is optimistic about next season after Worthing Raiders Rugby Club’s final home game of the season on Saturday.

Dawson felt the 24-17 win over Clifton was a snapshot of their season and said afterwards: “If a couple of passes had gone to hand, we could have had a try of the season there but we played well. It was an enjoyable game and a nice send off for Ben Dudley but it was a little snapshot of our season.

“We were very close to being great but there were little lapses of concentration, although I’m feeling pretty excited about next season. We’re looking to bring in some players and to keep hold of all the good ones which we’ve got, so we’re optimistic.

“We had an inauspicious start to the season and never really recovered, we were always chasing when it’s nice to be a frontrunner.

“We’ve had some great performances in the second half of the season but, ultimately, we lost it in the first six or seven games.”

Dawson was also delighted to see Matt Farnes play for Raiders for the first time in two years, after a knee injury.

Farnes said: “It had been over two years and although I’ve had a couple of A games, it doesn’t match the feeling of running out there in front of a big crowd on a really special day as well.

“I was nervous but once I was back out there and the first time I handled the ball, normal business resumed really.

“I really enjoyed it, even though it was only ten minutes. To come on for Duds as well was really nice, I’d have loved to play alongside him again and I might get that chance next week.”